The Case for Watson

The Case for WatsonI have concluded that Clemson's best chance to win football games after the Florida State game this season is with Deshaun Watson at quarterback.

First, several things need to be understood. In my opinion, Cole StoudtCole StoudtSr. Quarterback#18 6-4, 231Dublin, OHView Full Profile did not play all that poorly in Athens Saturday night. There were times where I thought he played well, especially considering it was his first start and it was in a hostile environment.

Stoudt did make some mistakes though. I thought he threw the ball late a few times. I also thought he was hesitant at times. It was a solid start though and he did little to take away from his playing time in the future.

However, Watson did some things to deserve more time in the future. Watson also made some mistakes but he was more decisive especially in the first half. He looked calm and poised. He also showed some athleticism.

At this point I am not sure Watson is better than Stoudt. I think it is close either way. So how did I come to the concussion that Watson needs to be the starter after the FSU game?

This one is simple. Clemson is limited at tailback. D.J. HowardD.J. HowardRS Sr. Running Back#22 6-0, 205Lincoln, ALView Full Profile is limited in athletic ability. He has a hard time making anyone miss and rarely breaks tackles. He also lacks vision.

C.J. DavidsonC.J. DavidsonRS Jr. Running Back#32 5-10, 203Clemson, SCView Full Profile is the best back, and he is a former walk-on that is serviceable but no one you would have to game plan for.

So it is clear to me that Clemson's running backs are limited. It is also clear to me that the offensive line is limited in its ability. Outside of Kalon DavisKalon DavisRS Sr. Offensive Guard#67 6-5, 340Chester, SCView Full Profile I am not sure if anyone played well there Saturday night.

Finally, Clemson's wide receivers are inexperienced and will need a running game to help take pressure off of them.

So if you are limited at so many spots what is the answer? My answer is the zone read.

The gap between Stoudt and Watson is not large enough to say one is better than the other but the style of offense that is needed indicates Watson is the best option.

The zone read offense takes some pressure off of the offensive line. It gives the backs a chance at bigger plays in the running game. It allows some play action and gives the wide outs and tight ends more of a chance at big plays.

In a perfect world Stoudt would continue to be the starter and excel while Watson took time to develop. However, I think the offense needs an identity and this personnel needs the zone read game.

I would let Stoudt have had chance this weekend and at Florida State. He deserves that. However, if the Tigers fall to 1-2 overall, 0-1 in the division and the offense looks like it did last Saturday, a change would do the program some good. Watson would provide hope. He would give the Tigers new energy and enthusiasm. It could work like it did in 1985 when Rodney Williams took over for Randy AndersonRandy AndersonQuarterback (1984 - 1987)#1 6-5, 210Cowpens, SCView Full Profile and the offense changed in one week. Williams went on to become the winningest quarterback in Clemson history. Maybe Watson gives the Tigers a new lease on the season.

The future looks bright. Artavis ScottArtavis ScottFr. Wide Receiver#3 5-11, 190Oldsmar, FLView Full Profile and Demarre KittDemarre KittFr. Wide Receiver#8 6-1, 183Tyrone, GAView Full Profile looked good Saturday. Next season Cain and McCloud bring more talent. The future at tight end looks bright and the next class of offensive linemen is perhaps the best the staff has ever signed. But when will the future at quarterback take over? Is the future now? Is the future in three games?

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